CHARACTER DESIGN

Character Design &
Key Visual Illustration

From design to key visuals, supervision and merchandise.

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Logos of NOKID's clients

STRENGTHSWhy clients choose NOKID for character design

Rough turnaround sheet of a character
01

Design built to move, from an animation studio

We design characters so they still look like themselves when the expression changes, when they turn sideways, or when they shrink to a small social media icon. We deliver turnarounds, expression sheets and color specifications, so the character can move straight into animation and short videos.

TurnaroundsExpression sheetsColor specsChibi (SD) characters
02

Supervision and guidelines that protect the character's world

We design with the cautions and key points we have learned from working directly with licensors. We help with brand management, from drafting guidelines that set usage rules and prohibitions to supervising work by external partners such as licensees.

Style guidesDo's and don'tsLicensee supervision
Connecting creators, characters and brands
Illustration by STUDIO RE:LY
03

Creators with passion, matched to the style you want

In addition to our two studios, RE:LY, which draws urban cuteness, and CUTENY, which specializes in small characters, we can cast artists from our creator community who know the character's fandom.

RE:LYCUTENYCreator casting
CONTACT

For new characters and for expanding existing ones.

You can request only what you need, such as design only or supervision only.

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FLOWHow character design works

  1. STEP 01

    Consultation

    We ask about the concept, target audience and where it will be used (animation, social media, merchandise).

  2. STEP 02

    Design

    From rough drafts to turnarounds, expression sheets and color specifications.

    Supervision 1: Rough / 2: Clean-up
  3. STEP 03

    Supervision & guidelines

    We draft guidelines that organize usage rules and prohibitions.

  4. STEP 04

    Merchandise planning & manufacturing

    From product planning and design to manufacturing direction.

    Supervision 3: Product sample
  5. STEP 05

    Rollout support

    We support its use in animation, social media and events.

Typical timeline: 1–4 months (1–2 months for design only, 3–4 months including merchandise)

PRICECharacter design pricing guide

Character design

2D illustration
Estimated cost JPY 200K–800K Estimated delivery: 1–2 months

3DCG / Live2D model production

Per character
Estimated cost JPY 500K–3M Estimated delivery: 2–3 months

Design supervision & guideline development

Depends on scale
Estimated cost Quote on request Estimated delivery: 1–2 months

Merchandise planning & manufacturing direction

Product planning to manufacturing
Estimated cost Quote on request Estimated delivery: 2–4 months

FAQCharacter design FAQ

Q. Can you make new outfits or chibi versions of an existing character?

Yes. We handle polishing existing characters, new outfits, chibi (SD) versions and redesigns.

Q. Can we ask for design only, or supervision only?

Of course. You can request only what you need.

Q. Do you make models for VTubers?

Yes. We handle 2D illustration, Live2D models and 3DCG models.

Q. Can you create style guides for licensees?

Yes. We draft guidelines that organize usage rules and prohibitions for each medium, and supervise the resulting work.

Q. Can you also arrange merchandise manufacturing?

Yes, from planning and design through selecting manufacturing partners and directing production.